Paper towel holder

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the invention provide, therefore, receptacles for rolled products (including without limitation paper towels, toilet paper, etc.), as well as methods of using such receptacles. In accordance with some embodiments, a receptacle might be configured to provide protection from ambient environmental conditions (in particular, moisture). In other embodiments, the receptacle can be configured to allow relatively convenient access to paper product. In accordance with particular embodiments, the receptacle may comprise an attachment mechanism, which may be used to attach the receptacle to any desirable structure or surface. Hence, embodiments of the invention provide novel receptacles and/or methods for their use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to holders and dispensers for rolled products, in particular rolled paper products, as well as methods of their production and use.

One efficient way to produce and distribute sheeted products, including without limitation paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper and the like, is on a roll having a hollow central core, with the product wrapped around that central core. This form of distribution allows for both relatively efficient distribution and relatively high ease of use for consumers. In addition, it allows the producer to produce the product in relatively long sheets, perhaps with perforations to facilitate the use of a discrete portion of the product.

In this form, however, the products are most easily consumed straight from the roll. The wrapped nature of the product makes it difficult to provide any enclosure that can simultaneously hold the product and allow easy access to the product for use. Moreover, since many products distributed in this fashion comprise paper or a similar material, those products are liable to degrade quickly when exposed to significant moisture. Hence, in any environment in which significant moisture is anticipated, consumers are faced with a dilemma: whether to store the product in the environment, in relatively unprotected fashion, thereby risking damage to the product, or to store the product in another, more protected location, minimizing the risk of damage to the product but also the convenience to the consumer.

Merely by way of example, consumers who engage in outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting, etc. often need access to paper towels, toilet paper, etc. while outdoors. Such consumers generally store these products in a protected location (inside of a tent, recreational vehicle, etc.) to prevent damage to the products (what good is soggy toilet paper?) and only remove the products for use, quickly replacing the rolled product in the protected location after removing from the roll and appropriate amount of the product for use. This procedure is unnecessarily inconvenient and time-consuming.

Consequently, there is a need for a device that can allow a rolled product to be stored conveniently in relatively exposed conditions (such as the outdoors) while simultaneously protecting the product and providing relatively convenient access to the product for use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention provide, therefore, receptacles for rolled products (including without limitation paper towels, toilet paper, etc.), as well as methods of using such receptacles. In accordance with some embodiments, a receptacle might be configured to provide protection from ambient environmental conditions (in particular, moisture). In other embodiments, the receptacle can be configured to allow relatively convenient access to the paper product. In accordance with particular embodiments, the receptacle may comprise an attachment mechanism, which may be used to attach the receptacle to any desirable structure or surface. Hence, embodiments of the invention provide novel receptacles and/or methods for their use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a holder for rolled products, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B further illustrate the holder of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a base portion of a holder for rolled products, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a drawing illustrating how an enclosure portion of a holder for rolled products may be coupled with a base portion, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate a rod assembly that can be used to hold a rolled product, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a holder comprising an attachment mechanism, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of using a holder for rolled products in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention provide, therefore, receptacles for rolled products (including without limitation paper towels, toilet paper, etc.), as well as methods of using such receptacles. In accordance with some embodiments, a receptacle might be configured to provide protection from ambient environmental conditions (in particular, moisture). In other embodiments, the receptacle can be configured to allow relatively convenient access to the paper product. In accordance with particular embodiments, the receptacle may comprise an attachment mechanism, which may be used to attach the receptacle to any desirable structure or surface. Hence, embodiments of the invention provide novel receptacles and/or methods for their use.

Merely by way of example, FIG. 1 illustrates a receptacle 100 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. The receptacle 100 can have an enclosure member 105, a base member 110 and/or a support member 115. The enclosure member 105 may comprise a face 125 and/or at least one wall 130, which may be disposed orthogonally to the face 125. (In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 130 is cylindrical. In other embodiments, however, there may be a plurality of walls conjoined to form any appropriate cross-section, such as a triangular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, pentagonal cross-section, etc.) The face 125 and wall(s) 130 may define an interior space (not illustrated on FIG. 1 but described in detail below) of the enclosure member 105 and/or receptacle. In some embodiments, the interior space may be configured to allow one or more rolls of product to be disposed therein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 115 is configured to be disposed axially within a hollow central core of a rolled product 120, such as a roll of paper towel, toilet paper, plastic sheeting, etc. The support member (and/or a portion thereof, e.g., as described below), may be connected with the base member 110 and/or the enclosure member 105. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any product that can be distributed on rolls may be stored and/or dispensed by various embodiments of the invention. Similarly, the enclosure member 105, base member 110 and/or support member 115 may be sized as appropriate for different applications. Merely by way of example, in particular embodiments, the enclosure member 105 may be configured to allow one (or more) rolls of paper towel to be disposed therein, while in other embodiments, the enclosure member 105 may be configured to allow one (or more) rolls of toilet paper to be disposed therein.

In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the receptacle 100 and/or any of its components (e.g., enclosure member 105, base member 110, support member 115, etc.) may comprise any suitable material and/or combination thereof. Merely by way of example, the enclosure 105 and/or base member 110 may comprise a relatively weather-resistant material, such as high-impact plastic, acrylic, galvanized steel, etc. The support member may comprise a similar material and/or may comprise steel, aluminum, alloy, etc. In accordance with some embodiments, a relatively light-weight material may be employed for any and/or all of these components, to reduce the overall weight of the receptacle 100. In particular embodiments, the enclosure member 105, base member 110 and/or support member 115 may be extruded and/or molded plastic or a similar material. The support member 115 (and/or a portion therefore) may be integrally formed with the enclosure member 105 and/or the base member; alternately, the support member 115 may be connected these other components using any suitable means for connection, including without limitation, screws, bolts and/or other fittings, bonding (heat welding, adhesive, etc.), and/or the like.

In particular embodiments, the base member 110 may be configured to be disposed in a number of positions relative to the enclosure member 105. In particular, the base member 110 may be disposed in a first, closed position, such that a surface of the base member 110 is orthogonally adjacent to the wall(s) 130 and/or opposing the face 125 of the enclosure member, with the support member 115 (and any rolled product 120 surrounding the support member 115 disposed within the enclosure member. The base member 110 may also be disposed in a second, open position, such that the base member 110 is extended distal from the enclosure member 105. In such a position, the support member 115 (and/or a portion thereof) may be extended out of the interior portion of the enclosure member 105, allowing the rolled product 120 to be accessed (e.g., to remove a portion of the product from the roll). In some cases, the base member 110 may be separated entirely from the enclosure member 105, e.g., to allow an empty roll to be removed and/or a new roll of the product to be installed.

This feature is illustrated more clearly by FIGS. 2A and 2B, which depict the receptacle 100 of FIG. 1 with some additional features shown in phantom. As illustrated by FIG. 2A, when the base member 110 is in a first position, the receptacle 100 is in a generally closed configuration, such that the receptacle can provide substantial protection to any material (e.g., a rolled product 120) contained within the interior of the receptacle 100 against any ambient conditions, such as moisture, wind, heat, etc. FIG. 2B shows the base member 110 in a second position, such that the receptacle 100 is in a generally open configuration. In this configuration, the material (e.g., a rolled product 120) may be accessed for use.

As illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B, a support member 115 may, in some embodiments, comprise a plurality of support members, which can include a first support member 205 and/or a second support member 210. In some cases, the first support member 205 may be coupled with the enclosure member 105 and/or the second support member 210 may be coupled with the base member 110 (alternatively, the first support member 205 may be coupled with the base member 110 and/or the second support member 210 may be coupled with the enclosure member 105). The support members further may be designed such that the first support member 205 can be slidably disposed within the second support member 210, such that the support members can interact in telescoping fashion when the base member 205 is moved from the first position to the second position (or vice versa).

Turning now to FIG. 3A, a top view of a base member 110 in accordance with particular embodiments, is depicted separated from the enclosure member, showing additional features of various embodiments. Merely by way of example, in accordance with some embodiments, the receptacle 100 may include means for biasing the base member 110, either in a first (closed) position or a second (open) position relative to the enclosure member 105. (Of course, the base member 110 might be biased in any other suitable position as well). Means for biasing the base member 110 can include any suitable biasing mechanisms known in the art, including without limitation springs, elastic material, gravity, etc. The means for biasing the base member may be coupled with and/or incorporated within any suitable element of the receptacle 100, including without limitation, the base member 110, the enclosure member 105 and/or either of the support members 205, 210.

Merely by way of example, in the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 3A, a spring 305 may be disposed within the second support member 210, as illustrated in more detail by the cutaway drawings of FIGS. 3C and 3D. As illustrated by FIG. 3C, this spring 305 may be fixedly disposed within the second support member 210 and/or coupled with the first support member 205, such that the spring 305 is in a contracted state when the base member 110 is in a closed position. When the base member 110 is in an open position, the first support member 205 may be extended in telescoping fashion, extending the spring 305, as illustrated in FIG. 3D. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 305 defaults to a contracted state, so the extension of the spring 305 places the spring 305 under tension. In this way, for example, the spring 305 can provide a means of biasing the base member 110 toward a closed position relative to the enclosure member 105. (It should be noted that, although the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 3C and 3D provides one way to bias the base member, other ways—including the means described above—are possible as well. Merely by way of example, certain embodiments feature a spring that is placed in compression when the base member 110 is in an open position.)

Certain embodiments additional can feature a locking mechanism, which can be used to lock the base member 110 in an open, closed and/or intermediate position (as appropriate) with respect to the enclosure member. Merely by way of example, returning to FIG. 3A, the base member 110 may include a channel 310 into which an end portion of the enclosure member 105 can be disposed when the receptacle 100 is closed. In accordance with particular embodiments, then, the channel can include one or more notches 320 or other openings, which can correspond with one or more tabs or protrusions 330 attached to (or integrated with) the enclosure member 105. These base member 110 and enclosure member 105 may be aligned so that the tabs 330 on the enclosure member 110 are inserted in the notches 320 when the end portion of the enclosure member 105 is inserted into the channel 310 (e.g., when the receptacle 310 is placed into a closed configuration).

Referring to FIG. 3B, the base member 110 may define a space 325 contiguous with the channel 310, into which the tab 330 can fit when the receptacle is closed. The space 325 is further defined by an overhanging portion 335. Taking FIGS. 3A and 3B together, it can be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, the overhanging portion 335 covers a portion of the space 325, while another portion of the space 325 is exposed by the notch 320. In operation, then, once the receptacle is placed into a closed configuration (i.e., by aligning the tab(s) 330 with the notch(es) 320) and disposing the enclosure member 105 so that the open end portion of the enclosure member 105 is disposed within the channel 310), one of the enclosure member 105 and the base member 110 may be rotated axially relative to the other, such that the tab(s) 330 are disposed within the portion of the space 325 that is covered by the overhang 330. (It should be noted that, while the illustrated embodiment features four notches 320 and, correspondingly, four tabs 330, the number and placement of such features is discretionary. Further, in accordance with other embodiments, various other locking mechanisms may be implemented.) In some cases, the base member 110 may include a sealing member 315, such as a gasket, “O-ring,” etc., which can be configured to provide a relatively water tight seal between the base member 110 and the enclosure member 105 when the receptacle 100 is closed. As illustrated, the sealing member 315 can be configured to be in contact with the wall(s) 130 of the enclosure member.

Further embodiments of the invention can provide a locking mechanism that can be used to lock the receptacle 100 in an open position and/or to prevent the unintended separation of the first 205 and second 210 support members. One example of such a mechanism is illustrated by FIGS. 4A-4E. In the illustrated embodiment, the second support member 210 may feature a protrusion 405 (which is illustrated as being at the end portion of the first member but may be disposed at any suitable location). Depending on the configuration of the support members 205 and 210, the protrusion may be of any suitable shape or size. In the illustrated embodiment, it is semi-circular, corresponding to the circular cross-section of the second support member 210.

The inner surface of the first support member 205 can feature one or more corresponding protrusions 410, 415, 420, depending on the type of locking functionality desired. As noted above, it may be desirable for the first 205 and second 210 support members to be separable (e.g., to allow a rolled product to be placed around one of the support members, such as when installing a new product). As shown by FIG. 4A, when conjoining the first 205 and second 210 support members, the protrusion 405 on the second support member 210 may be aligned so as to prevent interference by the first protrusion 410 on the first support member 205. The first support member 205 may then be rotated (in this case 180 degrees) relative to the second support member 210 (or vice versa), such that the first protrusion 410 on the first support member 205 prevents the protrusion 405 from leaving the interior of the first support member 205, thereby preventing unwanted separation of the first 205 and second 210 support members. The inner surface of the first support member 205 may also feature an additional protrusion 420, which may serve to accommodate the protrusion 402 on the second support member 210, thus allowing the second support member 210 to fit properly inside of the first support member 205.

Optionally, it may be desirable to configure the support members to allow the receptacle 100 to be locked in the open position. Hence, the inner surface of the first support member 205 may feature a third protrusion 415, such that, depending on the orientation of the first support member 205 respective to the second support member 210, the third protrusion 415 actually prevents the separation of the first support member 205 from the second support member, while the second protrusion 420 can prevent the second support member 210 from entering further into the first support member 205, effectively locking the receptacle 100 in an open position.

In operation, for example, if the second support member 210 is substantially inserted within the first support member 205 (i.e. the receptacle 100 is closed), the first 205 and second 210 support members must be aligned so that the protrusion 405 opposes the protrusion 420. If the receptacle 100 is then placed in an open configuration, the protrusion 415 will prevent the second support member 210 from separating from the first support member 205. If one wishes to lock the receptacle 100 in that position, the first support member 205 may then be rotated 180 degrees relative to the second support member 210 (or vice versa), so that the interference between the protrusion 420 on the inner surface of the first support member 205 prevents the protrusion 405 on the second support member 210 from moving further into the first support member 205, effectively locking the receptacle 100 in an open position. The protrusion 410 still prevents the separation of the two support members, however, by preventing the protrusion 405 on the second support member 210 from exiting the first support member 205. If, from this point, one wishes to separate the first 205 and second 210 support members (e.g., to replace a rolled product, etc.) the first support member 205 may be rotated another 180 degrees relative to the second support member 210 (or vice versa), allowing the protrusion 405 to clear the protrusion 410 on the inner surface of the first support member 205.

It should be noted that, while an exemplary configuration of protrusions is illustrated by FIGS. 4A-4E, other configurations are possible as well. Moreover, any suitable method may provide the protrusions. Merely by way of example, the protrusions may be integrally formed (e.g., cast, extruded, etc.) with their respective support members, may be attached (e.g., with adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.) to their respective support members and/or the like. Moreover, a similar system may be used to provide a locking mechanism configured to lock the receptacle 100 in a closed position (e.g., by varying the placement and/or configuration of the protrusions).

Particular embodiments of the invention can include (and/or be adapted to be used with) any suitable apparatus for mounting the receptacle 100 on any suitable object (such as an RV, a tree, a wall, etc.). Merely by way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates a mountable holder 500, which includes a receptacle 100 (which may be similar to receptacles described above), as well as a first mounting bracket 505. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 505 is attached to (and/or integrally formed with) a wall of an enclosure member. In other embodiments, however, the bracket may be mount in other appropriate locations, such as the end of the enclosure member, the base, etc. The illustrated also includes a second bracket 510, which may be configured to be removably (or permanently) coupled with the first bracket 505 and which may also be configured to be permanently (or semi-permanently) to any suitable object (e.g., via adhesives, mechanical fasteners, etc.). In this way, the receptacle 100 may be mounted as desired. Other embodiments may use attachment mechanisms different from those discussed here. Indeed, any suitable mounting/attachment facility may be used.

Another set of embodiments provides methods of using a holder and/or dispenser of rolled products. An exemplary method 600 is illustrated by FIG. 6. The method 600 can include providing a holder and/or dispenser, which may be receptacle such as those described above (block 605). Providing a holder/dispenser can comprise, in some cases, biasing a base member in an open and/or closed position with respect to an enclosure member, for example, as described above. In accordance with some embodiments, the method can further include mounting the holder/dispenser (block 610), e.g., using an attachment mechanism (also described above).

The method may also include opening the holder/dispenser (block 615) (e.g., a placing the holder/dispenser in a configuration where a base portion is in second position relative to an enclosure portion, as described above) and/or locking the holder/dispenser in an open position (block 620). Locking the holder/dispenser can include, without limitation, employing a locking mechanism (such as one described above, for example), rotating a base member (and/or a first support member) relative to an enclosure member (and/or a second support member), as described in detail above. When the holder/dispenser is in an open position (whether or not it is locked in that position), product may be removed from the holder/dispenser (e.g., for use).

In some cases, it may be desirable to separate the support members (block 630). This can be accomplished in any suitable fashion, including without limitation as described above. Merely by way of example, support members may be separated to add new product (e.g., a new roll of paper towels, etc.) to the holder/dispenser (block 635), a procedure which is also described in detail above.

The method can further include closing the holder/dispenser (block 640) and/or locking the holder/dispenser in a closed position (block 645) (e.g., using a locking mechanism as described above). Finally, the holder/dispenser may be dismounted (block 645) (e.g., by uncoupling a first mounting bracket, which may be attached and/or integrated with the holder/dispenser, from a second mounting bracket, which may be attached with a wall, tree, etc.).

Other modifications and enhancements are possible within the scope of the invention. Merely by way of example, the dispenser may be motorized, to allow for push-button (and/or automated) opening and/or closing of the dispenser. Further, one or more sensors and/or timers may be implemented to cause the dispenser to automatically open and/or close under certain circumstances. For instance, a logic circuit featuring a hygrostat and/or moisture sensor may be provided in communication with a motor (or other means of opening/closing the dispenser), and such a dispenser may be configured to close automatically when moisture and/or high humidity is sensed, preventing a product in the dispenser from being damaged by the moisture. Similarly, a photocell (or any other type of light sensor) may be implemented to cause the dispenser to open and/or close in the relative absence (or presence) of light, so that, for instance, the dispenser may automatically close in dark conditions, such as at night. Further embodiments can feature a timer, so that the dispenser will automatically close (or open) after a specified duration.

Hence, various embodiments of the invention provide inventive holders and/or dispensers of rolled products, as well as methods of using them. The description above identifies certain exemplary embodiments for implementing the invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention. The invention, therefore, is defined only by the claims set forth below. 

1. A receptacle for holding for a rolled product, the holder comprising: a support member configured to be at least partially disposed within a hollow core of a roll of the product, such that the support member provides support for the roll of the product; and an enclosure member coupled with the support member, the enclosure portion comprising a top face and at least one wall disposed orthogonally to the enclosure portion, the top face and the at least one wall defining an interior portion and an opening adjoining the interior portion, such that the rolled product may be disposed within the interior portion; a base member coupled with the support member, wherein, the base portion is adapted to be disposed in a first position and a second position relative to the enclosure; and a locking mechanism configured to allow the base member to be locked in the second position relative to the enclosure member; wherein: when the base member is disposed in the first position relative to the enclosure member, the rolled product is disposed within the interior portion of the enclosure member; when the base member is disposed in the second position relative to the enclosure, the rolled product is disposed at least partially outside the interior portion of the enclosure member, such that a portion of the product may be removed from the roll.
 2. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 1, wherein the base member is adapted cover the opening adjoining the interior portion of the enclosure member when in the second position relative to the enclosure member, such that the base member and the enclosure member cooperate to form a substantially watertight barrier to protect the cavity from environmental conditions exterior to the receptacle.
 3. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 1, wherein the support member comprises: a first support member coupled to the base portion; and a second support member coupled to the enclosure portion.
 4. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 3, wherein: the first support member comprises a hollow core; and the second support member is slidably disposed within the hollow core of the first support member, such that, when the base member is in the second position relative to the enclosure member, the second support member is disposed at least partially outside the hollow core of the first support member and when the base member is in the first position relative to the enclosure member, the second support member is disposed substantially within the hollow core of the first support member.
 5. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism is incorporated in at least one of the first support member and the second support member.
 6. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 1, further comprising a second locking mechanism configured to allow the base member to be locked in the first position relative to the enclosure member.
 7. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second locking mechanism is incorporated in at least one of the first support member and the second support member.
 8. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 6, wherein the second locking mechanism is incorporated in at least one of the base member and the enclosure member.
 9. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 1, further comprising: means for biasing the base member toward the first position relative to the enclosure member.
 10. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for biasing the base member comprises a spring.
 11. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for biasing the base member comprises an elastic member.
 12. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for biasing the base member comprises gravity.
 13. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 9, wherein the support member comprises the means for biasing the base member.
 14. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking member is configured to be engaged when the base member is rotated to a certain degree relative to the enclosure member, thereby locking the base member in the second position relative to the enclosure member.
 15. A receptacle for holding a rolled product as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an attachment member coupled to at least one of the base member and the enclosure member, wherein the attachment member is configured to allow the receptacle to be mounted on a surface external to the receptacle.
 16. A method of using a rolled product, the method comprising: providing a receptacle for holding a rolled product, the receptacle comprising: a support member configured to be at least partially disposed within a hollow core of a roll of the product, such that the support member provides support for the roll of the product; and an enclosure member coupled with the support member, the enclosure portion comprising a top face and at least one wall disposed orthogonally to the enclosure portion, the top face and the at least one wall defining an interior portion and an opening adjoining the interior portion, such that the rolled product may be disposed within the interior portion; a base member coupled with the support member, wherein, the base portion is adapted to be disposed in a first position and a second position relative to the enclosure; and a locking mechanism configured to allow the base member to be locked in the second position relative to the enclosure member; wherein: when the base member is disposed in the first position relative to the enclosure member, the rolled product is disposed within the interior portion of the enclosure member; when the base member is disposed in the second position relative to the enclosure, the rolled product is disposed at least partially outside the interior portion of the enclosure member, such that a portion of the product may be removed from the roll; disposing the base member in the second position relative to the enclosure member; and removing at least a portion of the rolled product from the roll of the product.
 17. A method of using a rolled product as recited in claim 16, the method further comprising: engaging the locking member by rotating the base member to a certain degree relative to the enclosure member, thereby locking the base member in the second position relative to the enclosure member.
 18. A method of using a rolled product as recited in claim 16, the method further comprising: disposing the base member in the first position relative to the enclosure member, such that the rolled product is disposed within the interior portion of the receptacle.
 19. A method of using a rolled product as recited in claim 18, the method further comprising: prior to disposing the base member in the first position relative to the enclosure member, disengaging the locking member by rotating the base member to a certain degree relative to the enclosure member, thereby unlocking the base member and allowing the base member to be disposed in the first position relative to the enclosure member.
 20. A method of using a rolled product as recited in claim 16, wherein the receptacle further comprises an attachment member coupled to at least one of the base member and the enclosure member, wherein the attachment member is configured to allow the receptacle to be mounted on a surface external to the receptacle; the method further comprising: mounting the receptacle on a surface external to the receptacle. 